The Kenmore branch of the U.S. Post Office is almost ready for business in its new home.

Transplanted from its former location at 6531 N.E. 181st St., the post office has been moved across the street to the former Kenmore city hall.

Mayor David Baker said a ribbon cutting is planned for 8:30 a.m. April 26.

The post office has been near the center of a long story that began when the King County Library System tabbed the retail strip inhabited by the old post office as the perfect spot for a new Kenmore library. The problem was the post office had a long-term lease on its space and could have stalled the library project for several years.

At one point, postal officials were ready to announce they would simply be closing the Kenmore branch. Baker and City Manager Fred Stouder made a few trips to Washington, D.C. and met several times with postal officials in protracted efforts to keep a post office in the city.

Stouder said postal officials will be moving into their new building over the weekend of April 24 and opening for business the same day as the ribbon cutting. He said the public is invited to the informal ceremony.

Regarding the new library building, King County officials have said they hope to hold a groundbreaking for the new branch as soon as the post office moves out. The new facility should be open about a year after construction begins.

As for the city, officials will be moving into their new City Hall at 18120 68th Ave. N.E. on May 15, with an opening on May 22. A public open house is scheduled for May 8. An official ribbon cutting will be held May 22.